Free drill rig pre-start checklist
Jump to download form ↓Enter your email below to download this drill rig pre-start checklist as a ready-to-use PDF.
Free drill rig daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers mast, drill head, hydraulics, tracks, cab, engine and safety checks. Download free.
Last updated: 2026-03-26
Commercial Director
How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.
- ✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
- ✓Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
- ✓Go digital in MapTrack for photos, alerts and audit trails
Download free PDF template
Trusted by teams across Australia and New Zealand
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Preview the template
See the first part of the drill rig pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a drill rig pre-start checklist?
A drill rig daily pre-start checklist is a structured form used to inspect a drill rig before it is operated each day or shift. Drill rigs are used across civil construction, mining, geotechnical investigation and foundation work to bore, drive or drill into the ground. Because of the significant forces involved and the complexity of the mast, drill head, hydraulics and rotating components, a thorough pre-start is essential. The checklist helps operators and supervisors confirm the drill rig is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of mechanical failures, accidents and non-compliance. It covers everything from the tracks and undercarriage to the mast, drill head, hydraulics, cab controls and safety devices, catching problems such as worn wire ropes, hydraulic leaks or faulty emergency stops before they lead to costly downtime or incidents.
Benefits of using this drill rig pre-start checklist
- Fewer breakdowns: catch mast, hydraulic and drill head issues early before they become costly repairs or unplanned downtime.
- Operator safety: verify guards, emergency stops, handrails and safety devices are in place before the drill rig is used.
- WHS compliance: meet Work Health and Safety requirements for drill rig operation and demonstrate due diligence for plant inspection.
- Preventive maintenance: extend the life of your drill rig by identifying wear on wire ropes, hydraulic hoses and undercarriage components before they fail.
- Consistency across drill crews: a standardised checklist ensures critical checks are not missed regardless of which operator or crew is running the rig.
- Recordkeeping for audits: maintain a verifiable history of pre-start inspections for audits, insurance claims and incident investigations.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise drill rig checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
- Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
- Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles drill rig checklists.
Try MapTrack free for 30 days
Full access to every feature. No credit card required. Per-asset pricing so you scale as your fleet grows.
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime
What to include in a drill rig pre-start checklist
This drill rig pre-start checklist covers 11 key areas:
- Drill rig details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading.
- Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date, site/location.
- Walk-around: general condition and damage, visible leaks, ground conditions and stability.
- Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, air filter, DEF/AdBlue (if fitted).
- Tracks and undercarriage: track tension, sprockets, rollers and idlers, track pads, no debris.
- Mast and drill head: mast pins and bolts secure, drill head condition, winch and wire ropes, kelly bar or drill rods, centraliser or guide.
- Hydraulics: rams and cylinders (no leaks), hoses secure (no chafing), connections and couplings, hydraulic gauges.
- Cab and controls: cabin access and housekeeping, seatbelt, mirrors and camera, wipers and washers, gauges and displays.
- Safety devices: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, guards and handrails, beacon or strobe.
- Lights and electrics: headlights and work lights, indicators, battery terminals.
- Overall result, defects table, operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to use this drill rig pre-start checklist
- Complete drill rig and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the hours reading.
- Perform a walk-around inspection before entering the cab. Check for leaks, damage, debris and ground stability around the rig.
- Go through each checklist item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).
- If any item fails, note it and do not operate the drill rig until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.
- Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
Get the free template
Enter your email above to download the full drill rig pre-start checklist as a PDF.
Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
Complete a drill rig pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the drill rig has been relocated to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, perform a fresh check. Many construction and mining sites require a daily pre-start for all plant and equipment. Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify additional frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time the drill rig is used.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a drill rig pre-start inspection cover?
- A drill rig pre-start inspection should cover a walk-around (general condition, leaks, ground stability), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, air filter, DEF/AdBlue), tracks and undercarriage (tension, sprockets, rollers, idlers, pads, debris), mast and drill head (mast pins and bolts, drill head condition, winch and wire ropes, kelly bar or drill rods, centraliser or guide), hydraulics (rams and cylinders, hoses, connections, gauges), cab and controls (cabin access, seatbelt, mirrors, wipers, gauges and displays), safety devices (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, guards and handrails, beacon or strobe), and lights and electrics (headlights, work lights, indicators, battery terminals).
- How often should a drill rig be inspected?
- A drill rig should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the rig has been relocated to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, perform a fresh check. Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify additional frequency. Always follow the most stringent requirement.
- What qualifications are needed to operate a drill rig?
- In Australia, drill rig operators generally require a Statement of Attainment for the relevant unit of competency (e.g. RIIMPO318F - Conduct civil construction drilling operations, or a similar unit depending on drill type). Some drill rigs with crane functions may also require a High Risk Work Licence. Requirements vary by state and territory. Check your local WHS regulations and always verify operator competency before allowing use.
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every drill rig in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
Pre-start inspections · All templates · Pricing · Book a demo